corn stove questions - DIY Chatroom

nap · 11-01-2009, 11:50 PM

anybody have a corn or pellet stove?

I have been tossing around the idea but I cannot find a few things that are important like: how much does it cost to operate.

any idea how much corn a stove might burn for any given btu output.

any info is appreciated.

beenthere · 11-02-2009, 07:08 AM

Roughly 7000 BTUs per pound.
If moisture content is 15% or less.

Check what your area charges for for corn.

dac122 · 11-02-2009, 09:48 AM

Go to hearth.com and post on the The Pellet Mill and Corn Crib. They specialize in just this sort of topic.

nap · 11-02-2009, 03:33 PM

thanks guys.

Plumber101 · 11-02-2009, 09:30 PM

I have had Snow flame, American Harvest and Quadra fire stoves

Currently I have two stoves in my house and this what I use for heat. Both are Quadra fire. The first is a Classic Bay 1200 Insert and the other is a Mt Vernon.

I mix 60% corn with 40% pellets. Corn does have a higher BTU factor than corn. I have yet to see a stove that works 100% on corn. Corn doesn't ingite without the help of the pellets even at 10% moisture. Also with corn you will have clinkers in the burn pot which will need to be removed daily. Quadra fire has self ignition and work with a thermostat. Most others run constantly which consumes more fuel

This year we purchased 4 tons of pellets for a total cost of $796. Pellets are also tax exempt because they are a renewable energy.

If you use pellets make sure that they are at least 75% hard wood otherwise you are just throwing money away.

nap · 11-02-2009, 09:58 PM

fantastic info plumber. Thanks.

jerryh3 · 11-03-2009, 06:23 AM

I have a Harman Accentra. 0-40K BTU output. It heats the majority of my house. I typically burn a bag a day during the cold months. Pellets around here are about $250/ton.

beenthere · 11-03-2009, 06:34 AM

Hmmm.

250 a ton. A bag a day during a cold month.
What would gas heat cost you for that same month?

jerryh3 · 11-03-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beenthere

Hmmm.

250 a ton. A bag a day during a cold month.
What would gas heat cost you for that same month?

Don't know. Natural gas is not available at the house. I have an oil boiler as the primary heat source but bought the pellet stove when oil was pushing $4/gal. Since oil has dropped back down, the pellets aren't saving me as much, but it looks nice. And, a bag a day is probably on the very high side of what I use. Plus, with the new mini-splits, I am using those on these 30-60 degree days.